(continued from above)
Comprehensively re-designed and updated, the 2012 Tiguan brings new standards
of design aesthetics, driving dynamics, safety features, and precision German
engineering to one of the fastest-growing segments of the market.
And the
2102 Tiguan balances its performance focus with noteworthy gains in fuel
economy. An array of detail technical enhancements - in line with Volkswagen's
'Think Blue' strategy - sees highway fuel economy gains from 25 mpg to an
EPA-estimated 27 mpg for automatic transmission models.
New for 2012
The Tiguan's major design refresh sees its front end updated to incorporate
the new, horizontal Volkswagen brand 'face' in line with the Tiguan's larger
sibling, the Touareg.
The Tiguan bears familial design elements to the
Touareg, including a redesigned grille that features two horizontal blades each
featuring twin chrome strips. In the center is a prominent VW badge, while at
each end are new, swept-back headlamps housed behind tough, polycarbonate
covers.
Standard on the range-topping SEL models are Bi-Xenon headlights
with advanced lighting system (AFS) illumination that conform with the steering
wheel to turn up to 15 degrees for increased visibility. Adding a new dimension
is the U-shaped band of 14 LEDs around the AFS lenses that not only act as
daytime running lights, but add a striking visual element to the front of the
new Tiguan.
To heighten the 2012 Tiguan's new style, there's a new
honeycomb grille section beneath the redesigned bumper, and beneath that a gray,
skid-plate-style panel with three distinctive openings. Integrated into the new
bumper at each side are honeycomb-backed panels housing stylish new fog lights.
Below them are new black air-flow guides. It's a tough new look for the urban
jungle.
At the rear, distinctive new two-part taillights echo those of
the latest Touareg and feature signature L-shaped lighting elements. The design
of the lights is also sleeker and more compact.
A dramatic new feature of
the 2012 Tiguan is its new 19-inch 'Savannah' alloy wheels that come standard on
the SEL mode. These stylish, 10-spoke alloys have been developed by Volkswagen's
recently-renamed R GmbH performance division, which was also responsible for the
new Golf R.
Volkswagen Tiguan: Review (2/2)